We just attended the US media launch for the 2014 M6 Gran Coupe at the beautiful Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 Track in Austin, Texas. Testing the M6 Gran Coupe was the highlight of the event, but we were also given a first look and demo of the exciting upcoming BMW M Power App (which we share with you in the video below).

Note: this app is *NOT* yet available in the iOS app store. It is *NOT* the same as the M Power Meter app currently available in the iOS store. Once this app becomes available for download(this Summer), we'll make an announcement.

In short, the M Power App records data from the various automotive sensors in the car and uses that information to record track sessions and provide:

lap times and scorecard view

real-time review of the lap (with comparison modes)

important technical data

throttle input

steering input

braking force

G-force

RPM

fuel efficiency

Two of my favorite features of the app include the head-to-head ghost comparison mode and the custom track generator feature.

The app can generate custom tracks on the fly, so you aren't limited to only using the app for its preprogrammed tracks. This feature will be useful for autocross, custom tracks or regular trips to your grocery store.

The head-to-head ghost comparison mode lets you compare two separate laps and view both runs on the track map in real time. It's a great way to see where one lap gained or lost time to the other. The two laps chosen for comparison can both be the user's own laps, or compared against a lap sent to the user by anyone else (friend, track instructor, etc.). Enough talk, you can see best for yourself in the video below.

The app was demoed to us by two fellas from the BMW Technology Office - Phil Johnston, Product Manager for the BMW Group Apps Platform and Paul Doersch, the US Product Manager and Technical Lead for the M Power App.

Requirements / Availability:
iOS6
BMW Apps Option
USB Cable or Snap-In Adapter
Available in iOS App Store this Summer
* Can be used for any BMW model (not only M cars) with BMW Apps option

Ok this is the coolest free thing available from BMW or available on the iPhone. I still love Harry's lap timer for the video and the reference lap video. Oh do I need two IOS devices? That would be a great video compilation!